On July 5, the officers at Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, made three high-profile seizures at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on July 5, recovering contraband worth over INR 11 crore as a part of a major anti-smuggling operation.
The seizures also included hydroponic marijuana, exotic wildlife species, and smuggled gold, resulting in the arrest of four individuals.
Highlights of the cases:
Case 1 - On the basis of Specific Intelligence, the officers of Mumbai Customs Zone-III intercepted one Indian National at CSMI Airport, who arrived at Mumbai from Bangkok. On examination of baggage and personal search of the passenger, Hydroponic weed (Marijuana) weighing 9662 grams (having illicit Market Value 9.662 Crore) were recovered. The said recovered goods were concealed in the checked in baggage of the passengers. The recovered goods were seized under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985. 01 passenger was arrested.
Case 2 - On the basis of profiling, the Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone -III intercepted 01 passenger arriving from Bangkok to Mumbai and Recovered wildlife (live and dead animals) - 1. Raccoon (Procyon Lotor) – (01 Nos. Alive ,03 Nos. Dead) 2. Black Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger), 03 Nos. Dead) 3. Green Iguana (Iguana spp.) (29 Nos alive 8 Nos dead) from the baggage of the passenger. Since the species are not indigenous to India, and for their better survival chances, these were handed over to the Airlines staff for deportation to their country of origin. The proceedings against the passenger has been initiated as per the provisions of customs Act, 1962, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 01 passenger was arrested.
Case 3 - On the basis of profiling, Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai, Zone - III intercepted 02 passengers arriving from Dubai to Mumbai and recovered 24 KT gold dust in wax and gold pieces having net weight 1.650 Kg valued at Rs. 1.49 Crore across 02 cases. The said gold was found concealed inside the body cavity of the passengers and pockets of the passengers. 02 passengers were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.